Comfort Meets Character: Double Glazing for Federation and Heritage Homes
Can Modern Comfort Fit Inside a Heritage Frame?
Can Modern Comfort Fit Inside a Heritage Frame? Owning a heritage home in Perth comes with charm, history, and often, single-pane windows that do little to keep out the heat, cold, or noise. Whether it’s a Federation villa in Mount Lawley or a mid-century build in Subiaco, many of Perth’s character homes face the same dilemma: how to improve thermal and acoustic comfort without altering the features that make them so special.
The good news? You don’t need to compromise. At Penot Double Glazing, we offer both retrofit and full-frame replacement solutions for heritage homes, with a strong preference for full replacement wherever possible. Our advanced systems are designed to replicate the look of original frames while delivering dramatically improved thermal and acoustic performance.
This guide explores when retrofitting makes sense, why full replacement is often the better choice, and how Penot delivers both comfort and compliance without compromising your home’s charm
What Retrofitting Actually Means, and Why It’s Different From Full Replacement Upgrading your windows doesn’t have to mean ripping them out — but sometimes, it should.
Retrofitting vs Full Frame Replacement — What’s the Difference?
Retrofitting means installing new double glazed units into your existing window frames, keeping the original timber or steel surrounds intact. It’s a precision process that allows us to improve comfort in older homes without altering the external structure.
Full replacement, on the other hand, involves removing the entire window system, including the frame, and installing a completely new one. At Penot, we generally recommend this option, even in heritage homes, because it delivers superior efficiency, sealing, and longevity. Thanks to our slimline, heritage-matched systems, we can closely replicate the look of original frames without bulky modern profiles.
Why It Matters for Heritage Zones and Council Approvals
In suburbs with heritage overlays, such as Subiaco, Fremantle, or Mount Lawley, maintaining external appearances is often a condition of council approval. Retrofitting can help meet these conditions. However, our replacement systems are often equally viable, as they retain the visual character of the original windows while upgrading performance.
When Retrofitting Still Makes Sense There are times when retrofitting is the best solution:
Retrofitting is ideal when:
- The original frames are in excellent structural condition
- Heritage overlays require strict preservation of window frames
- You want minimal disruption during renovation
- Full replacement isn’t feasible due to budget or building limitations
In these cases, we carefully retrofit high-performance double glazing into existing frames, without damaging heritage details.
Why Perth’s Heritage Homes Need Better Glazing — Fast
Perth’s historic homes weren’t built for today’s climate expectations. Original single-pane windows leak heat, let in noise, and often look better than they perform.
Federation Homes, Post-War Builds, and Mid-Century Steel Frames
Perth’s older suburbs are filled with stunning architecture, Federation weatherboards in Mount Lawley, California bungalows in Nedlands, and steel-framed post-war homes in Fremantle. But these homes were built in a different era, when single glazing and minimal insulation were the norm.
These original window systems may look beautiful, but they leak air, let in street noise, and offer almost no thermal resistance. That’s not ideal when summer days hit 40°C or winter mornings dip into single digits.
The Comfort Problem: Drafts, Noise, and Heat Loss
Without effective glazing, heritage homes become uncomfortable fast. You might notice:
- Cold draughts in winter, even with the heater on
- Heat build-up in summer, especially in west-facing rooms
- Constant outside noise from traffic, neighbours, or aircraft
- High power bills from overworked aircon or heating systems
And all of this, while still trying to preserve your home’s character.
The Opportunity: Energy Savings Without Aesthetic Compromise
This is where double glazing, especially retrofitted into new frames, becomes a game-changer. You gain thermal insulation, acoustic protection, and lower energy use, without altering your home’s original features.
It’s not just a comfort upgrade, it’s a lifestyle improvement, and one that aligns beautifully with the needs of heritage homes across Perth.
Our Preferred Solution: Full Replacement with Heritage-Compatible Frames
While retrofitting works in specific cases, our priority at Penot is full-frame replacement — even in character homes. That’s because our thermal break aluminium systems:
- Mimic the sightlines of timber or steel
- Offer vastly improved sealing and insulation
- Support custom finishes to match heritage colours
- Integrate discreetly into existing façade designs
We’ve successfully installed full replacements in homes where aesthetics were just as important as comfort.
Slimline Aluminium Frames That Mimic Original Profiles
We use slimline, thermally broken aluminium window frames designed to mirror the sightlines of traditional timber or steel windows. That means no bulky edges, no modern mismatches, just clean, understated frames that integrate naturally with your home’s existing style.
Whether it’s a double-hung sash in a Federation home or a narrow casement in a mid-century build, we prioritise proportions that preserve your home’s character.
Thermally Broken Aluminium = Modern Performance, Timeless Look
Penot’s window systems use thermal break technology, which separates the internal and external aluminium components to stop heat transfer. This gives you:
- Far better insulation than standard aluminium
- Zero compromise on slimness or colour matching
- Long-term resistance to Perth’s coastal and UV conditions
The result: heritage-appropriate frames with today’s energy performance built in.
Window Types That Work Best for Heritage Homes
Not every window suits every period home, but the right glazing system can quietly enhance your home’s charm while dramatically improving comfort. At Penot, we offer a range of retrofit-compatible styles that respect heritage proportions without sacrificing performance.
Double-Hung Windows with Concealed Balances
Ideal for Federation and early 20th-century homes, our double-hung windows feature slim vertical frames and concealed balance systems, no bulky cords or weights. They retain the classic sash appearance while delivering modern insulation and ease of use.
Slimline Casement for Classic Charm
Casement windows have long been a staple of Australian character homes. Our slimline casement options open outward like originals, but feature airtight seals, multi-point locking, and discreet hardware, perfect for upgrading steel-framed or timber casement designs.
Tilt-Turn Options for Discreet Airflow Control
In homes with mixed-era renovations or a need for flexible ventilation, tilt-turn windows offer a smart solution. They open two ways (tilt in for airflow, swing open for full access) and can be styled with narrow frames to suit more contemporary mid-century or post-war builds.
Heritage Window Style → Suitable Retrofit Glazing Options
| Heritage Style | Recommended Window Type | Retrofit Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Federation double-hung | Double-hung with concealed balance | Preserves vertical lines & heritage aesthetic |
| Timber casement | Slimline casement | Matches original profiles, improves sealing |
| Mid-century steel frames | Tilt-turn or slimline casement | Modern functionality with minimalist look |
Where We Retrofit Across Perth — And What We’ve Seen
Perth’s heritage homes aren’t just confined to one pocket, they’re woven through suburbs that reflect the city’s architectural evolution. From early 1900s villas to mid-century bungalows, Penot has helped homeowners upgrade comfort without touching the soul of their homes.
Real Suburb Examples: Cottesloe, Mount Lawley, Fremantle, Subiaco
We’ve retrofitted double glazed windows in:
- Cottesloe: Coastal heritage homes needing salt-air-resistant glazing
- Mount Lawley: Federation and Edwardian homes with timber double-hung sashes
- Fremantle: Heritage overlays with steel-framed post-war builds
- Subiaco: Narrow lots and period homes requiring discreet upgrades
Each suburb brings unique challenges, and we’ve built our process around meeting them.
Stories from Homeowners Who Made the Switch
Clients often come to us unsure whether double glazing is even allowed in heritage homes. After installation, they’re stunned by the difference:
- “We can actually sleep through bin day now.”
- “No more freezing floorboards in the mornings.”
- “You wouldn’t know anything changed from the street, but it’s night and day inside.”
What Made the Biggest Difference: Noise, Light, Heat
In almost every retrofit we’ve done, homeowners say the same three things improved:
- Noise levels dropped dramatically
- Natural light was preserved, not blocked
- Temperature stability made living areas far more comfortable
What About Council Rules and Heritage Overlays?
One of the biggest concerns we hear from Perth homeowners is whether retrofitting double glazing into a heritage home will cause issues with council or planning approvals. The answer? In most cases, no. And where approvals are needed, we help you navigate them.
When You Need Approvals — And When You Don’t
If your home is listed on a local heritage register or is in a designated heritage zone, you may need approval for full frame window replacement, especially if it changes the appearance from the street.
However, retrofitting within existing frames usually avoids these triggers. Since the visual profile remains unchanged, most councils do not require development approval for retrofitted double glazing. Still unsure? We’re happy to advise based on your suburb and home type.
Working Respectfully Within Local Planning Guidelines
Penot has experience working with local councils across Perth, including Fremantle, Subiaco, Vincent, and Nedlands. We understand how to retrofit glazing in ways that respect architectural context, comply with planning requirements, and maintain your home’s street-facing character.
We can also provide documentation, product specs, and drawings if required as part of a submission.
Why Thermally Broken Aluminium is Heritage-Sympathetic
Unlike bulky commercial aluminium, our thermally broken aluminium systems feature:
- Slim profiles that echo timber or steel
- Custom colour finishes (including heritage white or black)
- Hidden fixings and minimal visual intrusion
They meet performance demands while blending seamlessly into heritage settings, giving you quiet, comfort, and compliance, all in one.
Want Modern Comfort in a Classic Home? It’s Easier Than You Think
Retrofitting double glazing into a heritage home isn’t just possible, it’s something we do every day across Perth’s most character-rich suburbs.
You don’t have to choose between comfort and authenticity. With Penot, you get:
- Thermally broken performance without bulky frames
- Low-impact installation that protects heritage detailing
- Tailored advice on council requirements and best-fit window styles
- Real results in warmth, quiet, and energy efficiency
Whether you’re restoring a Federation cottage in Subiaco or future-proofing a mid-century gem in Fremantle, we’re here to help.
Ready to retrofit?
Speak to Penot about retrofitting double glazing into your existing window frames and discover how easy it is to bring modern performance to your classic home, without losing its soul.
